But they can still take satisfaction from the game as they held their own against a very good side who sit second in the Combined Counties Premier Division North table, having lost only once in 16 league games.
The Cityzens broke the deadlock through Sam Tanner on the hour mark, with Ollie Bourne doubling the lead in the 68th minute.
In front of a crowd of just over 150, their lead was reduced by Mike Panford in the 78th minute with fellow substitute Caleb Adomako-Mensah equalising four minutes later.
Among City’s five used substitutes was young forward Ethan Darcy, who has joined on a dual registration from Windsor & Eton.
Darcy has been with the Isthmian South Central club since the 2024-25 campaign, helping them to secure back-to-back promotions.
“He is an excellent local talent and exactly the type of profile we want to be attracting to the club,” said Johnson. “He is excellent going forward and has the added threat of pace to his game. I’m excited to have him with us to contribute to the squad and to support him on his journey.”
Reflecting on the game, Johnson commented: “The first half was about a lot of sparring. In the second half, we managed to get in the lead with two good goals. We also had a big shout for a penalty turned down.
“But we were forced into making a couple of changes and had to move the side around a bit, and Broadfields scored at a perfect time. From there, the momentum swung their way. In the end, I think a draw was a fair result.”
This coming Saturday, the Cityzens are away to Ardley United, who are third in the table, six points behind leaders North Greenford United with three games in hand. They have won seven of their eight home games, scoring 26 goals and conceding just five.
City’s FA Vase third-round tie against Hythe Town at Folkestone Invicta FC’s ground will be played on Sunday, November 29, with a 3pm kick-off, as Folkestone host Hampton & Richmond on the Saturday in a National League South game.
* Woodley United crashed to a 5-1 defeat at Wembley FC despite leading early in the second half.
They got off to a flying start with Nasser Southgate scoring after just three minutes, but his involvement was short-lived as he suffered a hamstring injury and was replaced by Callum Samuel-Harman, who rejoined the club last week.
United stayed ahead until the 55th minute when Ned Jones equalised with a deflected shot that wrong-footed keeper Mo Busse and scored again nine minutes later.
Charlie Sweeney missed a penalty for Woodley, and Max Laschok shot just wide before Sam Langan added a third for the hosts in the 79th minute. Alfie Bates added a fourth goal before substitute Meshack Aggrey-Quansah completed the scoring with 90 minutes up.
United stay 18th in the Combined Counties Division 1 ahead of taking on seventh-placed Langley at Rivermoor this Saturday.